Regional Roundup: Steuben County
Next in our county coverage series is Steuben County, located in the northeast corner of Indiana. Founded in 1836, Steuben County serves around 34,435 residents and includes the city of Angola and towns such as Ashley, Clear Lake, Fremont, Hamilton, Hudson, and Orland. This blog highlights community development in Angola, the county’s only city, and its contributions to the county’s growth.
Angola: The Heart of Steuben County
Angola, founded in 1838, is the county seat of Steuben County and home to approximately 9,456 residents (2023 census). It is also the proud host of Trine University. The city’s most notable landmark is “The Monument,” a Civil War memorial built in 1917, prominently located in a downtown traffic circle. Known locally as “The Mound” or “The Circle,” this memorial features statues representing all four military branches and a statue of Columbia, symbolizing liberty. Notably, it lists 1,278 Steuben County men who served in the Civil War—more per capita than any other Indiana county. Renovated in 1993, The Monument remains a focal point for community events. Nearby, the historic Steuben County Courthouse, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, adds distinctive charm to the city. Angola’s slogan, “Proudly working together to make visions a reality,” underscores its commitment to continual community improvement.
Angola’s Community Assets: Parks, Recreation, and Downtown Initiatives
The City of Angola manages over 200 acres of parkland and 4.2 miles of trails, encompassing three main parks:
- Commons Park: Spanning over 100 acres, featuring Friendship Playground, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer field, picnic shelters, and Commons Hall, an indoor event rental space.
- Firemen’s Park: Offering recreational spaces and community engagement opportunities.
- Nature Park: Providing serene trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Angola Parks & Recreation hosts numerous annual events and programs, including the Summer Recreation Program, Easter Egg Hunt, Pig Out in the Park, Independence Day Celebration, American History Fest, and various seasonal concerts, fostering community spirit year-round.
Angola Main Street (AMS) enhances the downtown area through targeted marketing, aesthetic improvements, and support for local businesses. Recognized as Indiana’s 3rd Best Main Street organization in 2019, AMS achieved National Accreditation from OCRA in January 2024. This accreditation enables access to additional resources, grants, specialized training, and networking opportunities, significantly boosting downtown revitalization efforts. AMS aims to create an inclusive, vibrant downtown featuring gathering spaces, improved navigation, and appealing visuals like murals and local art installations.
Region 3A Updates: Funding Opportunities
Region 3A encourages local communities to explore available grants. Despite federal uncertainties, funding opportunities remain accessible, and agencies continue accepting applications. For assistance or more information, please visit Region 3A’s website.
We’re here to support your community development initiatives every step of the way!